LeonaS

Bless you guys/gals who realize the obvious fact that animals have souls. They have various degrees of intelligence, they all practice self-preservation, love of offspring (with some exceptions), and seem to exhibit free-will (ever try to get a cat to do something it really doesn't want to do?) When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, one of the first visions I had was first, meeting my Dad in heaven and, second, seeing all my dogs again.

Safe journey! And could you, perhaps, put a little of that sand and water into one jar, a breeze or two into another, and send them my way? Thank you!

Funny stories, and sage advice!

A happy and blessed and spiritually fullfilling 2011 to you all!!

I've loved this movie for many years. Although I really think it's more of an "Easter movie" I'm glad they're showing it today (without commercial interruption!). Ever since it got to the Last Supper I've been unable to stop crying. I mean, it's not like I don't know how it will end. I talk to the TV, yell at Judas. Knowing how it will end. I know it's a wonderful ending for us all. But why did it have to hurt so much? (I do know why, but it still is sad. Until the ending!) Blessed Christmas to everyone!

That's a tale worth retelling! (Hope you don't mind if I borrow it. )

Great story, Fez! Keep 'em coming!

Done. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to do it.

I think a Christmas card is a good idea. To say "I'm very sorry" in Spanish it's "Lo siento mucho" (pronounced low see-en-toe moo-choh). Merry Christmas is "Felice Navidad" (pronounced fay-lease nah-vee-dahd). Shake hands. Smile, be humble. Buena suerte! (good luck)

Christmas used to mean a tree, presents, and, oh yeah, the birth of someone named Jesus. However, since accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior I am seeing things differently. I'm loving the church signs proclaiming "Immanuel - God with us!" and other beautiful sentiments. I love reading the Gospels again. I don't care if Christians usurped the day from pagans, I'm glad there is a day when everyone (who believes) can come together in worship and happiness. I understand that Easter is a more solemn yet glorious day, but the day we choose to be His birthday symbolizes the beginning of Jesus' life among us. (I hope this makes sense!)

What a very beautiful and touching story. A lesson learned perfectly.

I'm confused. If the cameras are automatically recording the area, then how would it go against the Jewish ban on using technology on the Sabbath? The person praying at the wall isn't operating the camera.

Wow. Just, Wow, Fez. That was a lovely, touching recounting of your feelings. Praying that your month alone is seamless and feels short, and that your visit to the Phillipines is wonderful.

My husband is a hunky, macho, Italian-American. I'm proud to say I've seen him cry while watching a Kodak commercial! As to spousal abuse, it's terrible no matter which is the victim. The key is to get counselling because it's so much deeper than just "bullying". If the root cause isn't uncovered, it will only escalate.

Well, those pics sure give you something to think about! So beautiful and frightening at the same time.

Thanks, Wy. But now it seems lots of the letters I type don't show up.

I'm just starting (3rd time through, I believe) The Book of Revelation. I've always felt it contains many of the same elements which make for good science fiction: Danger, strange beings, powers destroying the earth and its sun, Good overcoming Evil, and a happy ending.

Beautiful photos. But I'm not sure what I'd do if I saw that supercell! Yikes!

Taking it one step further, I don't understand why anyone watches that trash. Just a bunch of annoying women, with only one aim - to get a rise out of their guests and/or each other. It seems that Pastor Osteen did not rise to the bait.

I believe that might be right!

Once upon a time 2 brothers, John, the elder, and Tom, who lived on adjoining farms, fell into conflict. They had lived 40 years sharing machinery and trading labor and goods without a hitch. The problems began with a small misunderstanding which grew into a major difference, finally exploding into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work" he said. "Perhaps you have a few small jobs I could help you with?" "Yes" said John. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact it's my brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. He may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me an 8 ft. fence, so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." Thecarpenter said "I think I understand. Show me the nails and a post hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." John had to go to town so he helped the carpenter get the materials, then he was off. The carpenter worked hard all day, measuring, sawing and hammering. About sunset John returned as the carpenter was finishing his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge, stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all. And the younger brother, Tom, was coming across, hands outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said John. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter replied, "but I have many more bridges to build." (Now, who could that mysterious carpenter have been? )

More than 20 years ago, I had an affair. After it I was lucky that my husband forgave me and we are happily married to this day. BUT, it was really several years before he really forgave me with his whole heart. And to this day I avoid certain subjects because they might remind us of that time. I've repented and God has shown that he forgave me. I would no more sin that way than I would jump off a cliff.

If you don't want to go to their church, don't go, and don't feel bad about your decision. It seems that they are trying to beef up their membership, and I don't see anything wrong with that (although I can understand feeling a little put out by their "ad campaign"). But if they "net" even one person to join their church, maybe it would be someone (like me) who hasn't chosen their home church yet, and that would be a good thing. But, if you choose not to go, it would be in the spirit of Thanksgiving to give some other family the coupon.

That was one cute sleepy-head! Still, I don't think I'd run outside and grab up the first one I saw. Those big yellow teeth can put a hurtin' on you! Besides, you could be taking it away from its family.

Bless you, you are a strong and loving person. (I think teens were put on this earth by the Lord to test us!!)